18 Met Ball Gowns That SLAYED

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The Oscars are nice for red-carpet fashion, and nothing really shines like Cannes, but if we had to pick a favorite, it'd definitely have to be the Costume Institute Gala at the Met. It's one of the few occasions where a strapless taupe gown might be considered a faux pas, and where you'll be more likely to see ear cuffs and undercuts than satin clutches and prom hair — especially during this year's punk-themed extravaganza.

Except…save for a few personalities — Vivienne Westwood, that's you — the fashion elite and punks didn't quite understand each other as well as we'd hoped. Still, the looks were gorgeous, and we recognized a few strokes of sartorial genius. Ahead, 18 red-carpet knockouts…some, kind-of punk; others, not-so punk; and a few, as subversive as a kitten (but stunning, no less). Now, tell us: Who'd we miss?

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